Cause of West Kelowna fire undetermined

Fire investigators are unable to say what caused a Thursday morning fire in West Kelowna, but believe the blaze’s origin is not suspicious.

“They were unable to determine an exact cause,” said West Kelowna Fire Rescue assistant fire chief Darren Lee Friday afternoon. “Therefore the incident will be submitted into the provincial fire reporting database as ‘undetermined.’”

The fire, at a property in the 3500-block of Paynter Road, was reported just after 12:30 a.m. on Thursday and firefighters arrived to find a detached garage “fully involved” with fire and flames extending through the roof.

“The initial attack crew was able to protect the exposed home that had already sustained some damage from radiant heat, and safely knock the fire down from the exterior,” said Lee.

No injuries were reported but the garage and several vehicles are considered to be a total loss, fire officials say.